NORAD is a binational U.S. and Canadian Command charged with aerospace and maritime warning and aerospace control of North America as well as monitoring aerospace activity globally. However, every year during the holidays, NORAD assumes the supplementary mission of tracking Santa as he travels around the world. It all started in 1955 when a local ad directed children to call Santa direct – only the number was misdialed. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone rang through to the crew commander on duty at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center, the predecessor to NORAD.

The 63rd iteration of NORAD Tracks Santa kicked off Dec. 1, with a revamped website, social media channels, “Santa Cam” streaming video and a call center that will be operating around the clock on Dec. 24.

Starting at 2:01 a.m. EST on Dec. 24, website visitors can watch Santa make preparations for his flight. NORAD’s “Santa Cams” will stream videos on the website as Santa makes his way over various locations. Then, at 6 a.m. EST, trackers worldwide can speak with a live phone operator to inquire as to Santa’s whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723), you can also text this number for automatic updates [standard data rates apply for non-Verizon customers]; by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@outlook.com or by following the official NORAD Tracks Santa social media channels.

Link to more info: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/301475/norad-tracks-santa-program-kicks-off-2018

– NORAD